1
NAC
Accredited
Accredited
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Low
Student-to-Teacher
Ratio
Student-to-Teacher
Ratio
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Highly Trained
Educators
Educators
Learning Centers
Five Reasons Parents Choose Our Learning Centers
Child Care of Southwest Florida’s five early learning centers are each unique. However, they are united by our mission to strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families.
Here are the top five reasons parents choose our learning centers:
4
Play-Based
Creative
Curriculum
Creative
Curriculum
5
Nutritious Meals (breakfast, lunch,
and afternoon
snack)
and afternoon
snack)
The Five Star Advantage
Recognized for Excellence by the Early Learning Coalition
The Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida has awarded Child Care of Southwest Florida with a five-star rating for delivering an exceptional learning experience within the local community.
Southwest Florida Stars is a voluntary Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) used to improve and communicate the level of quality in early childhood programs. The rating of five stars indicates the highest quality in child care, and requires a rigorous application process that includes site visits and off-site data collection.
Child care facilities that participate in Southwest Florida Stars:
Provide safe and welcoming environment
Understand that learning begins at birth
Offer a variety of appropriate activities through which children learn and grow
Engage children in fun, “hands-on” learning experiences
Involve parents and families as their child’s first teacher
Are dedicated to offering the best in quality child care
Evaluate their program on an ongoing basis
Are committed to program improvement
Are knowledgeable about early child education best practices
Learn More and Enroll
Joseph H. Messina
Children’s Center
4650 Fowler Street
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Yolanda Vargas
239-278-1148
P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
3713 Canal Street
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Katrana Williams
239-337-4995
Children’s Garden of LaBelle
The Children’s Garden of LaBelle provides a full-day early learning program for children between the ages of one and five. A close-knit family devoted to quality, we are proud to maintain the smallest student-to-teacher ratio of all our child care centers. Y se habla español!
- School Readiness Vouchers
- Nutritious meals and snacks through the USDA Food Program
- The only Platinum-Level, Asthma-Friendly Child Care Center in LaBelle, as
awarded by the Florida Asthma Coalition - Scholarships available
Location
88 S. Main St., LaBelle, FL 33935
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks through 5 years old
License Number: C20HE0022
863-675-3311
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News from the Children’s Garden of LaBelle
“It is my hope that every child in my care will develop good self-esteem and independence, so that they become helpful, healthy members of our community.”
Yadira Lorenzo
Center Director
Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center
The Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center provides parents with a safe, nurturing environment for their little ones. Children are encouraged to participate in the learning process to practice good observation skills and grow their love for learning. The center’s community garden produces fresh vegetables, which is a great learning opportunity to teach young minds about nutrition, healthy food, teamwork, and sustainability. We also offer free VPK child care, available both before and after school.
Location:
4650 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Ages: 1 year to 8 years
License Number: C20LE9916 239-278-1148
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News from Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center
“I joined Child Care of Southwest Florida in 2007. I am passionate about early childhood development and learning, with more than three decades of experience working for established child care centers.”
Yolanda Vargas
Center Director
P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
The P.A. Geraci Child Development Center is uncompromising when it comes to quality. Located in the Dunbar area of Fort Myers, the P.A. Geraci Child Development Center offers one of the best early learning programs in the area. Your child is the priority, and we have fun along the way. Children are given every opportunity to reach their greatest potential by engaging in play-based learning activities that reflect their interests, stimulate their imaginations, and strengthen their social, academic, language, problem-solving, and motor skills.
Location
3713 Canal Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 8 years
License Number: C20LE9922 239-337-4995
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News from P.A. Geraci Child Development Center
“As the center’s director, I take great pride
in knowing that we strive for excellence
and quality in child care. We promote a cooperative spirit, and our wonderful staff is dedicated and truly amazing at what they do.”
Katrana Williams
Center Director
The Children’s Learning Center
A family-oriented operation, The Children’s Learning Center offers a high- quality early education, and our teachers are passionate about your children’s growth and development into successful adults. We are a Certified Nature- Explore® Classroom. Plus, the center’s recent move to Barkley Circle in Fort Myers means your child will be enjoying a secure, home-like space complete with an impressive outdoor playground.
Location
37 Barkley Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks to 8 years
License Number: C20LE0211 239-267-1136
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News from The Children’s Learning Center
“I have been employed by Child Care of Southwest Florida since 1976 – first in the classroom, and then as a director. Shaping children’s lives is part of what makes me the person that I am.”
Martha Kebhart
Center Director
The Community Children’s Center
At The Community Children’s Center, we believe an early education is the foundation for a strong sense of community. The success of each child’s learning experience is dependent upon the relationship between staff, family, and children – we are dedicated to providing a safe and educational environment that fosters our children’s growth for a lifetime of learning.
Location
1260 Wings Way, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks through 8 years old
License Number: C20LE6635 239-369-2220
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News from The Community Children’s Center
“I lead an amazing team of teachers and staff who are as dedicated as I am to providing a ‘home away from home’ and a fun environment for everyone. It has been
a pleasure to work with the children and families in our community, and as a team we are committed to providing a high-quality early childhood program to all families we serve.”
Megan Greeley-Gibson
Center Director
